Neurodevelopmental outcome of late-preterm infants: A pragmatic review
Abstract
Background: The number of late-preterm births (340/7 to 366/7 weeks of gestation at birth) has steadily increased over recent years. Recent reports suggest that late-preterm infants are at an increased risk of developing neurodevelopmental abnormalities, compared with full-term infants. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to carry out a pragmatic review of the current evidence regarding the neurodevelopmental risks of speech delay, cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in late-preterm infants. Discussion: Evidence from cohort studies indicates that late-preterm infants have a higher risk of speech delay in the first two years, and cognitive delay and attention problems in early childhood, compared with infants born at term. However, the results are inconsistent. Some reports indicate 'catch up' development with speech and cognition. Developmental surveillance through regular follow-up of high-risk late-preterm infants is necessary to identify risks at the earliest.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
2018
Volume
47
Issue
11
PubMed ID
31207675
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Copyright
free_to_read
Publisher
Medical Publishers Association of Australia
Comments
Jois, R. S. (2018). Neurodevelopmental outcome of late-preterm infants: A pragmatic review. Australian Journal of General Practice, 47(11), 776-785. https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-03-18-4539